I realize most eBayer's are familiar with this topic already, but I'm hoping this information will be useful for the *new coin or *token collectors just starting out.

<<< Coins/Tokens can be preserved and stored in several ways, but the two I'm going to tell you about are probably the most common/popular.  One of the easiest and possibly the most convenient way, is with the 2 inch square foldable plastic flip holders.  This type is a plastic transparent holder with 2 sleeves.  One side for holding the coin or token, and the other side for the COA (Certificate of Authenticity) or description ticket for recording the coins information.  When the holder is folded over, it makes a convenient 2 inch by 2 inch square.  The first design of this holder was made of PVC plastic which was very flexible and easy to use, but after time it would begin to break down, leaving green slime deposited on the coins within.  The PVC type is still being used today by dealers and auction houses because of it's flexibility, but only on a temporary basis. There is a new Mylar formula available that is considerably far better than the PVC that doesn't affect the coin, but unfortunately has a tendency to crack over time.

    
<<< Another common coin holder referred as the "Two-by-Two or 2 X 2", has a set of card board squares with an adhering film of relatively inert plastic on both parts.  The coin is layered on each side by both pieces of plastic film, and then stapled on all four sides or corners (or however you like to do it) to insure a snug but safe way to handle your coins for viewing and handling. It's very important to remember when removing coins from this type of holder to be very careful as to not accidentally scratch the coin on the exposed ends of the staples that stick out when the holder is pulled apart. Careless scratches have ruined countless thousands of nice coins.
  

  <<< Both kinds of holders whether you use the flips or the 2 by 2's will sit nicely into (Guide 1 Below) coin holder pages or boxes (photos).  Keep in mind not to place your coins loosely in the album pages as these are usually made of PVC plastic and on some special type of albums the thumb-cut area will allow for the coins to fall through. 
   
Which ever method you decide to use for your collection, just remember to store it in a cool, dry environment when possible (Guide 2 Below).  Never touch your coins/tokens with your bare hands.  If you must handle them without a holder or gloves, be sure to only touch the edge of the coin. 

In closing, remember since you spent your hard earned money on your collection, take the time and buy the appropriate supplies to keep it in the best possible condition.

     Thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope that it may benefit a few others.  Remember coin/token collecting is meant to be enjoyable and rewarding, so have fun in your quest acquiring your collection.

 (Guide 1) See my other guide on this subject for more detailed info - $1 DOLLAR CASINO TOKENS~A guide for the *NEW* collector
 (Guide 2) See my other guide on this subject for more detailed info - Put a *Silica Gel Packet* in your coin/token collection



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